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The Nursery Files: From Rocking Horse to Rocking Sheep

by Marianne Canada April 19, 2013 16 Comments

You may remember that I linked to this mega-adorable rocking sheep way back in my first nursery post of this series. In my follow-up post, I boldly declared my intention to attempt to make my own rocking sheep out of an old rocking horse and an Ikea sheepskin. But I’ll confess, I didn’t really have a plan beyond buying a sheepskin last time I made an Ikea run. Then, last week, I found a rocking horse on Craigslist (I wasn’t joking about being addicted to it!), so it seemed it was time. Vintage Rocking Horse and Chalk Paint After doing some research, I decided to paint the body of the horse with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. I was intrigued by the claims that you don’t have to strip, sand, or prime furniture before painting, and that you’re left with a matte finish free of brushstrokes. I will admit I was a little skeptical, but this paint is kind of magical. I slapped it on to the beat up, varnished wooden rocking horse, and two coats later I was left with this lovely charcoal grey fella. He looked so nice I was tempted to leave him as-is, but the sheepskin beckoned so I powered on. Rocking horse painted with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint For the next step, I gathered my supplies: a roll of wax paper, a utility knife, scissors, a pen, a hot glue gun and plenty of glue sticks, and one Ikea sheepskin. It’s easy to see why these cuddly skins are so popular with designers (Emily Henderson just listed them as one of her all-time styling essentials), they are so thick and soft. If real sheepskin isn’t your style, they also come in a faux version that looks great.

CLICK TO SEE THE FINISHED PRODUCT!

Weekday Crafternoon: DIY Painted Glass Vases + GIVEAWAY!

by Marianne Canada April 16, 2013 34 Comments

Cinco de Mayo is my favorite margarita-based holiday (make mine non-alcoholic). I, personally, love that this holiday gives us a reason to go color crazy with a table setting–it’s the perfect way to kick off all of those backyard barbeques coming up. Dress your table in style with these easy-to-make (and easy on the eyes!) confetti-dotted vases:

These pretty table toppers are even better in person. I can’t tell you how many people stopped by my crafting studio to coo over them; they are really adorable! Wouldn’t they be perfect paired with these piñata cookies?

Learn how to make these DIY confetti vases on Weekday Crafternoon

Are you celebrating on Cinco de Mayo? Do you prefer a gathering at your casita or will you hit up your favorite Mexican restaurant? No matter what you’re planning, you can win one of these sweet dotty vases by leaving a comment below. Buena suerte (good luck)!

Watch all the episodes of Weekday Crafternoon right here.

You may only comment once to be considered, and you don’t have to purchase anything to win; a purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Odds depend on total number of entries. Void where prohibited by law. Only open to legal residents of 50 U.S., D.C. or Puerto Rico, and you must be at least 18 years of age to win. All entries (comments) must be entered between 12:00 p.m. ET on April 16, 2013 and 12:00 p.m. ET on April 22, 2013. Subject to full official rules. By leaving a comment on the blog, you acknowledge your acceptance to the Official Rules. ARV of prize: $25. Sponsor: Scripps Networks, LLC, d/b/a HGTV, 9721 Sherrill Boulevard, Knoxville, TN 37932.

Congrats to Levieta, our winner!

Designer MacGyver: 5 Mother’s Day Gifts and Crafts to Make

by Briana Mowrey April 15, 2013 1 Comment

My mom reads this blog, but she’s on vacation right now, so let’s scheme while she’s away, shall we? Mother’s Day is coming up (May 12!), so you know I’m scouring the Internet for the perfect present for her. While I’m sure any mom wouldn’t turn down a little something from the mall or the florist, homemade gifts are unique and heartfelt. Show your mother, mother-in-law, grandmother or any special woman in your life that you care with one of these crafty gifts made with embroidery hoops.

SEE WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH EMBROIDERY HOOPS

Sneak Peek: DIY Wedding Ideas for Brides on a Budget

by Briana Mowrey April 11, 2013 1 Comment

“All the single ladies, all the single ladies, now put your hands up!“ Beyoncé wedding jokes aside, we’re busy cooking up some gettin’ hitched ideas that just may make all you single ladies out there start dropping hints. I’m engaged and in the midst of wedding planning myself, so when I got the opportunity to collaborate with one of HGTV’s stars on some wedding DIY videos for the site, I was already well-armed with many hours of bridal mag and Internet research. And let me tell you, these gorgeous, budget-friendly ideas are like your fantasy Pinterest board (or mine) come to life. Just take a look at my behind-the-scenes snapshots.

Here's a sneak peek of some upcoming wedding DIY videos on HGTV. Read more on Design Happens...

We’re talking easy table settings that will blow your guests away and wedding arches/chuppahs you can make yourself. Not to mention elegant wedding invitations, posh edible favors, luxe bridal accessories and more projects you can DIY for much less money than you’d spend through boutiques or vendors. If I wasn’t so far along in my planning already, I’d be grabbing my bridesmaids for some serious Crafternoon sessions.

And if you’re wondering who the mysterious HGTV personality behind all of this beauty might be, you’ll just have to check back in June when the videos hit the site. Until then, whet your appetite with some of our favorite wedding ideas from our friends at DIY Network.

Designer MacGyver: 5 Fashionable Leather Belt Crafts

by Briana Mowrey April 8, 2013 8 Comments

Belts, like shoes, can make or break an outfit. In the right context, worn leather belts can look rugged and cool. And in the wrong context? Downright shabby. But did you know you can turn shabby old belts into something shabby chic for your home? Take a peek at these leather belt crafts, then get ready to buckle down and make a few for yourself.

SEE WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH LEATHER BELTS

Weekday Crafternoon: DIY Monogram String Art

by Marianne Canada April 2, 2013 8 Comments

I don’t know if you’ve caught on from my other posts, but I’m expecting a little boy in early summer, and nursery preparations are in full swing. Being a do-it-myself kind of girl, I’ve been thinking up craft projects for the nursery for weeks. I wanted to do something with the baby’s monogram that was a little unusual, and I finally thought of the perfect thing. Why not take straight-from-the-70′s string art and make it modern? I just love how it turned out:

What do you think? I love the graphic impact and can’t wait to hang it in the little guys room. It gives great texture and interest to a gallery wall and is definitely not just for a nursery.

DIY Monogram String Art on Weekday Crafternoon

Want to make your own piece of custom string art? You can download the letter template here. And as always, if you’ve missed any past episodes of Weekday Crafternoon you can find them all right here.

Designer MacGyver: Play Around With Doll Parts

by Briana Mowrey April 1, 2013 2 Comments

Doll parts: They inspired a great song by Hole, yes, but did you know they’re also an inspirational craft material? You may be thinking, “Okay, but how many things can you make with Barbie doll parts?” The answer, according to my Pinterest research, is “More things than you can possibly imagine!” Check out these bold crafts made from Barbie parts and get ready to tear off some heads. (It’s a doll revolution!)

SEE MORE DOLL PART CRAFTS

Designer MacGyver: Rock Out With Vinyl Record Crafts

by Briana Mowrey March 25, 2013 12 Comments

I remember stumbling upon a box of my parents’ old vinyl records in our basement as a teenager and thinking: A) “My parents used to listen to Pink Floyd?” and B) “I HAVE TO SAVE THESE!” We didn’t own a turntable at the time, so mostly I just gazed at the cool retro cover art. I wish I had known then about all the nifty things you can do with LPs — besides hoard them in a milk crate. Of course, these vinyl record crafts aren’t for your favorites or rare finds, but they’re great for anything scratched, slightly warped or, um, albums you’d otherwise discard. Check out my DIY finds and prepare to rock!

SEE WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH OLD RECORDS

Designer MacGyver: 5 Actually-Pretty Safety Pin Crafts

by Briana Mowrey March 12, 2013 3 Comments

Safety pin DIYs of the fashion variety often have a retro punk rock feel to them. (Think: Just about any old photo of the Sex Pistols.) I’m all for being edgy with fashion, but when it comes to DIYs for the home, I think pretty is the way to go. My Pinterest sleuthing leads me to believe that you can do lots of pretty things with safety pins. Okay, at least 5 pretty things. Take a peek at my finds…

See What You Can Do With Safety Pins

Weekday Crafternoon: DIY Felt Shamrock Craft

by Marianne Canada February 26, 2013 8 Comments

St. Patrick’s day is such a fun holiday, it’s a little bit cheeky and heavy on the eating and celebrating. But there is a darker side to St. Patty: as a child I lived in fear of getting pinched. Yes, I was the kid who worked up a lather that somehow, in spite of my mounting anxiety, I would forget to wear green on March 17th, inviting perfect strangers to pinch me to their hearts content.

Maybe I was a weird kid. Whether that’s the case or not, I can tell you one thing: I’ll be wearing my green this St. Patricks Day. And here is an easy and adorable way for you to get your green on as well: These simple felt shamrocks take just minutes to make, cost only pennies, and can adorn everything from hair clips to pins and more. Frankly, once you start making them, you might find it hard to stop.

Weekday Crafternoon: Learn how to make these easy felt shamrocks for St. Patricks Day!